Botanical Name: Magnolia (liliflora 'Nigra' x sprengeri 'Diva' ) 'Galaxy'
Family: Magnoliaceae
Hardiness: U.S.D.A. Zones 5-9
Development: 'Galaxy' is an F1 hybrid selection resulting from a 1963 cross between Magnolia liliflora 'Nigra' and M. sprengeri 'Diva'. 'Galaxy' flowered at 9 years of age from seed.
The cultivar name 'Galaxy' is registered with the American Magnolia Society. Released 1980.
Significance: Magnolia 'Galaxy' is unique in form and flower among cultivated magnolias. It is a single stemmed, pyramidal, tree-form magnolia with excellent branching habit. Galaxy flowers 2 weeks after early parent M. 'Diva', late enough to avoid most late spring frost damage. Adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions.
Description: Height and width: 30-40 feet tall and 22-25 foot spread. Twenty four feet in height with 7 inch trunk diameter at 14 years. Moderate growth rate.
Habit: Single-trunked, upright tree with narrow crown and ascending branches.
Foliage: Deciduous with large leaves (to 8.8 inches long and 4.4 inches wide), medium green above and light green beneath.
Flower: Red-purple, profuse, slightly fragrant blooms (11-12 tepals) up to 8-10 inches when fully open. Blooms appear before leaves. Partially sterile, may occasionally produce fruit and viable seed.
Culture: Adaptable to wide range of soil and cultural conditions, including sod culture. Grows best in full sun. Prune to remove suckers and maintain upright shape.
Propagation: Roots easily from semi-hardwood cuttings after stem elongation has ceased, under mist, in a coarse growing medium, 8000 ppm IBA.
Landscape Use: Upright habit suitable for street tree planting. Perfect tree for narrow spaces and smaller landscapes.